CHARLESTON -- Kay Casto & Chaney have announced that Robert B. Allen has joined its Charleston office.

"We are proud to have an attorney of Bob's skill and character join our firm," said Michael T. Chaney, a member of the law firm's management committee. "Bob is an extremely highly regarded litigator and mediator; his litigation practice includes high-profile civil matters and white-collar criminal cases.

"Bob is a wonderful asset for our entire firm and our clients."

Previously, Allen was a founding member and former managing member of the firm of Allen Guthrie & Thomas. From 1975 to 1977 and from 1978 to 1981, Allen served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. Allen served as chief of the Coal Fraud Project prosecuting illegal coal tax shelters.

"I'm excited to be joining Kay Casto & Chaney which has a wonderful history and is one of the top firms in West Virginia," said Allen. "For me, it's a great opportunity and I look forward to working with the attorneys and staff."

In addition to practicing law in Charleston for more than three decades, Allen served as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy and was on Active Duty from 1966 to 1972. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves from 1972 to 1992 and retired as a commander.